King Charles was reportedly informed only days before Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s surprise decision to return to the UK.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s plans are said to have caught the Royal Household off guard, with the King allegedly learning of the move on Sunday, shortly before the public announcement.
Despite the short notice, the monarch is reportedly pleased by the decision. According to the Daily Mail, Charles welcomes the prospect of having his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, living closer to him.
However, sources claim the couple’s return will not change the arrangement agreed at the Sandringham summit following their departure as senior working royals.
“There will be no half-in, half-out” arrangement, insiders reportedly stressed, meaning Harry and Meghan would continue as non-working members of the royal family.
The reported development comes shortly after Queen Camilla spoke openly about the King’s cancer diagnosis and the way the family has been coping.
Harry and Meghan were last in Britain just a month ago, when they reportedly met privately with the King and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House. Buckingham Palace confirmed the meeting but did not release further details.
It remains unclear whether their plans to return to the UK were discussed during that reunion. However, reports maintain that the King was surprised by the announcement.
The Sussexes are also said to have made clear that they would live in a private residence and would not rely on taxpayer funding, while maintaining their status as non-working royals.
